I have a son who is nine and has been diagnosed as MR (mentally retarded) For years I have been struggling with his behavior and I still am not sure what to do sometimes. It can be so frustrating. As he gets older my fears for his future are growing. I have a young daughter in the home I have to protect. I am very proud of my son and he has made allot of progress with his behavior over the years. I really would like to find some other mothers who have children with disabilities that I can relate to and that can relate to me. I would love to talk to the mothers of some other MR children in all different stages of growth. I am especially interested in meeting mothers who have raised an MR child and can discuss with me what I should be doing now to ensure the best future for my son.
I feel like I need Parenting Classes for parents of children with special needs
and a support group for parents of children with special needs
No offense but I don't want to take classes with "normal" kids, I tend to have a fiery attitude and I still have some underlying resentment that likes to pop out at the most unexpected moments. I really want help and don't want to be in a room full of parents court ordered to be there. I would hate to reem some poor mother just because I feel her problems are insignificant. I wonder if any other special needs mothers feel this way? I just don't feel like I have a whole lot in common with the average mother, I have a daughter that is "normal" and I know what it is like to raise a "normal" child. Cakewalk compared to what I have been through with my son. I have been reduced to a work at home mom because the daycares won't keep him...and I am tired of being rejected even special care denied him (the only daycare I know of geared towards special needs children). I am barely making it and getting further behind all the time...so now I have finacial stress on top of everything else. So please don't suggest anything that costs money, I can't afford it. I probably would benefit from some counseling too, I am depressed and staying at home is making it so much worse.
I do not know of any classes but my sister used to work for a chiropractor (sp?) that saw only children (regardless of age) w/ autism, MR, etc. I am sure they would know about classes or support groups. Their office number is ###-###-####. Her name is Dr. Bobby Doscher. I hope this helps and good luck!!
J.,
Though I am now raising two "normal" children I have kept special needs children in the past. I know that the Children's Hospital in Bethany might have some day care resource information for you and Victory Christian Center in Warr Acres might be a great place for some support. They even have a nursery equipped and handled for special needs children (so the parents can attend services and not worry about their child.)They have an upright piano he can bang on and soft toys if he tends to throw them.It's called Noah's Park. But the workers there might have some additional information for you. The Center for Christian Counseling on N.W. 50th and Lake Hefner Parkway provides counseling for free or a "donation" in which you decide the amount.
I don't know your child's exact diagnosis but if you think working outside the home would do you well emotionally and financially you might put an add in one of the local college's papers for a student "Nanny". I did that in college. I had morning classes and worked in the afternoon at their house. Also, Oklahoma Christain University has a program where the students get a phys. ed. credit for working with handicapped children. One of the Edmond schools that caters to handicapped children brings their kids twice a week and they have "P.E." class with their college buddies. The buddies keep the kids under control and plays with them in the gym. They have special tricyles built other equiptment built for bigger kids.Sorry this is running on and on but you sound like you're at the end of your rope and I although I don't know what you're going through I do know what it's like to be depressed and couped up in the house with kids driving you nuts. My niece is autistic and I keep her three times a week. Her favorite thing to do is make crayon soup in the toilet. LOL. Hope this helps....God bless you!
I am not a mother of an MR child but I am a Sister of an MR brother. I am not sure where to go but you can call 211 and they will be able to point you in the right way also you might try Sunbeam family services. I hope this helps and I will be praying for you I do understand what you are going through but not as a mother I remeber seeing my mom deal with this and it was very hard on her. They ended up putting him in a home when the public schools would not help anymore. I hope this helps some I am sorry I could not be of more help.
Hi J.,
I also have a special needs child he has 7 diffrent diagnosis'es from epilepsy to MR to ADHD and Bipolar there is a Family network program I help do 1st Monday of each month in Yukon there are activities for each member of the family and systems of care helps if you have any questions or need any ideas I have had to learn special education due to my son and there being little out there or so I thought please call if you want to talk ###-###-####
S.
